3.

“Dig that crazy cab! Linkup between Astronaut Cernan and Gemini will be reminiscent of a man hailing a taxi. Flight plans call for Stafford to fly the 8,000 pound Gemini close enough to Cernan for the latter to come aboard.”

4.

“”Space Rescue” assignment completed. When Cernan grabs the docking indicator bar on Gemini’s nose, this part of the GT-9 mission will be judged successful by NASA flight controllers. During this maneuver Cernan will be secured at all times by a nylon rope. After the rescue maneuver the AMU will be jettisoned.”

In no way pejoratively, but the images have a wonderful "Silver Age" comic book appeal to them, especially with the panels & "dot matrix" sort of look.

A momentary flight of fancy: Wouldn't it have been the coolest thing - if Stan Lee or any of the Marvel artist superstars - teamed up with NASA to produce these?!

“Scott will make the nation’s second space walk on the mission. After stepping out of the capsule, wearing a chest pack that is connected to the spacecraft with a 25-foot umbilical (a combined oxygen-communication-tether line) he will move aft to the adapter section and experiment with a torqueless power tool. To begin the experiment, Scott will pull up a box-like unit from the adapter, open it to take out a power tool, then use the tool on four nut-and-bolt-test setups to determine the effectiveness of the tool and whether its action will tend to turn his body in space as a reaction to its operation.”

Due to the near disaster as a result of the spacecraft’s runaway thruster, no Extravehicular Actvity was conducted by Scott. As you might expect, in addition to Command Pilot being Neil Armstrong, there’s no shortage of material/reading available regarding this flight. A few:

airandspace.si.edu/stories/editorial/spinning-out-control...

Credit: Smithsonian NASM website

www.collectspace.com/ubb/Forum29/HTML/001927.html

www.collectspace.com/news/news-031616c-gemini8-50th-anniv...

www.collectspace.com/ubb/Forum29/HTML/000681.html

Above three credit: collectSPACE website

Finally, back to what I’m here for, the photographs and/or artists & artist’s concepts. Russ Arasmith…what a body of work.

“Project Gemini two-man spacecraft (left) will have 50 per cent greater volume and weigh two to three times as much as the one-man Project Mercury spacecraft. Gemini, boosted into orbit by Titan II, will undergo flight tests beginning in 1963-4. To be built by McDonnell Aircraft Corp., the two-man craft will be used to develop space rendezvous techniques and for extended earth orbit missions lasting a week or more. Gemini is named for the twin stars, Castor and Pollux.”

Also, per “PROJECT GEMINI/TECHNOLOGY AND OPERATIONS(?): A CHRONOLOGY”/SP-4002, page 20, at:

history.nasa.gov/SP-4002.pdf

And:

history.nasa.gov/SP-4002/p1b.htm

This photo is identified as being...

“The first illustration of the Gemini spacecraft to be released publicly. It was distributed at the same time NASA announced that the project was to be named "Gemini." (NASA Photo S-62-88, released Jan. 3, 1962.)”

Artwork possibly by Arnold Pierce?

A nice view of a Gemini engineering mock-up on display at the McDonnell Aircraft Corporation plant, St. Louis, MO, ca. 1963-65.

Note the possible McDonnell engineers peering through the windows. The copilot really seems to be enjoying the ‘ride’.

Since I’m certain everyone's been wondering what the conspicuous cowling is on the spacecraft's port side, attached to the reentry control system section, wait no more.

It’s the horizon sensor fairing!

Who knew?! Did you? I didn’t.

Whew!

“Astronaut Virgil I. (Gus) Grissom, command pilot for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s GT-3 flight, reclines on a couch in the Pad 16 Ready Room during pre-flight checks prior to going to Pad 19 for flight simulations in the Gemini-3 spacecraft. Joe Schmitt, suit technician from Manned Spacecraft Center’s Crew Systems Division, stands by to assist Grissom. The flight simulations were conducted Thursday, March 18.”

I wonder if that's Al Rochford in the background.

If not for J. L. Pickering/John Bisney, in the form of their book “Spaceshots and Snapshots of Projects Mercury and Gemini: A Rare Photographic History” via Google Books, I wouldn't have known that this was actually a double-wide trailer. Specifically:

“…in a double-wide trailer installed at LC-16 to suit the crew.” Additionally, per the book "The trailer (which included two bedrooms, a bathroom, and a small kitchen) was used to minimize the crew transfer time since LC-19 was just four hundred yards north of LC-16, a former Titan missile pad. By some accounts, it also satisfied Grissom's desire to keep the media at bay."

Keep in mind, this was to be the first manned Gemini mission, in a heated space race, during the first Cold War, with the vile & depraved Soviets, so I’m sure press coverage was particularly intense.

The above excerpts, along with an excellent photo (amongst many others) of the Astronauts talking to reporters in the “Pad 16 Ready Room”, at/from:

books.google.com/books?id=_CBADAAAQBAJ&pg=PA87&lp...

Credit: Google Books and the aforementioned gentlemen.

This would look to be taken during the same interview in the Ready Room:

www.alamy.com/stock-image-gemini-3-prime-crew-young-and-g...

Sadly, yet another teammate in mankind’s greatest adventure that left us - the aforementioned Joe Schmitt, assisting John Young, just as he did Alan Shepard...and pretty much every Astronaut up until 1981/82.

Continue to Rest In Peace Good Sir and Thank You:

www.collectspace.com/ubb/Forum38/HTML/002111.html

Additionally, everything (and more) than you want to know about what might actually not be a "Ready Room", at least according to Bob Sieck:

www.collectspace.com/ubb/Forum29/HTML/000473.html

Credit: collectSPACE website

Grissom is wearing his Omega Speedmaster, showing a time of 13:45. See also:

www.truefacet.com/guide/omega-speedmaster-nasa-space-prog...

Credit: “TrueFacet” website

Oh yeah, Young appears to be sitting in the same art-deco chair as Grissom:

www.alamy.com/stock-photo-nasa-gemini-titan-3-prime-crew-...

“EXTRAVEHICULAR ACTIVITY IN SPACE - Protected by life support equipment, two crewman maneuver in space. One crewman, wearing a Garrett/AiResearch chestpack and tethered with its umbilical life-line, performs inspection of the Gemini spacecraft. The other crewman returns from a photographic surveillance mission; he wears a Garrett/AiResearch integrated maneuvering system.”

Per a Garrett/AiResearch magazine ad from that time, also associated with the same image:

“Unique modular features designed into Garrett’s versatile AiResearch Integrated Maneuvering System (AIMS).

The basic module incorporates lift support and communications. It provides atmosphere, heating, cooling and moisture control for up to four hours. The astronaut has a choice of self-contained or umbilical operation dependent upon mission requirements.

A stabilization module provides roll, pitch, and yaw control; off-center of gravity thruster capability, and stable navigation reference.

Hot or cold gas propulsion modules, incorporating wrist or pack mounted thrusters, can be integrated with the basic module to provide required impulse capability for the mission profile.

The Garrett-AiResearch modular concept offers maximum flexibility for both vehicle storage and mission planning.

The same reliability proved by Garrett’s mission-tested environmental control systems on Mercury and Gemini is being designed into the AiResearch Integrated Maneuvering System.”

So, that "mini PLSS" looking thing on the back of the astronaut in the foreground is the AIMS...in its 'basic module' configuration...in 'self-contained' operational mode, since no umbilical is obvious. If so, shouldn't he also be outfitted with the 'stabilization module'?

Typical reckless arrogant USAF fly-boy shenanigans. 😉

Yet another timeless early work by Gary Meyer - one of MANY. See also:

garymeyerillustration.net/ILLUSTRATIONS/Pages/early_work....

Credit: GARY MEYER ILLUSTRATION website

GREAT MOL stuff:

media.bcm.edu/documents/2018/3e/astro-spies-art-of-neil-j...

Credit: I honestly don't know.

An excellent view of the U. S. Space Park, at the 1964/65 New York World’s Fair.

Sites abound with additional information and photos. For something off the beaten path:

www.collectspace.com/ubb/Forum18/HTML/001194.html

Credit: collectSPACE website

Within the photograph, I can make out two placards/sandwich board like things with the patch/logo.

“GT-11 PILOTS:

When GT-8 space travelers David Scott and Neil Armstrong, foreground, posed with backup pilots, Richard F. Gordon and Charles (Pete) Conrad, it made a routine handout picture from NASA.

But shortly afterwards, the troops destroyed NASA protocol’s cool when they borrowed hats, a photographer’s light reflector, and sat again for the deadpan portrait at bottom.

Conrad and Gordon, backups then, are the prime space crew for Gemini 11, scheduled for launch September 9.”

Absolutely delightful. Gordon is totally rockin’ that fedora.

Note also the now-disassembled Gemini spacecraft model. I wonder if the position of Armstrong’s hands was an “American Gothic” homage. Also/finally, the object on Armstrong’s head is not just ANY photographer’s light reflector, thanks to the resolution of the photograph, along with enough of the lettering/wording on it visible, identifies it as a “SMITH-VICTOR”. And they’re still in business! Outstanding:

smithvictor.com/about-us/

I really think Smith-Victor may have missed a golden marketing opportunity…especially commencing early to mid-1969. Maybe something like:

- “If our light reflectors are good enough to be worn by the first man on the moon, they’re good enough for your photographic lighting needs.”

- “SMITH-VICTOR: A-OK for Neil, A-OK for YOU!”

- “Luminaries Both: Neil Armstrong & Smith-Victor”

- “Functional AND Fashionable. Take it from Neil!”

“New Flight Crew at McDonnell Aircraft Corporation, St. Louis, Mo., Viewing Spacecraft Hardware in the McDonnell Shop Area.

12-12-62”

I think the Astronauts are Frank Borman in the lower left corner (speaking with possibly Vice President of the McDonnell Aircraft Corporation & General Manager of Projects Mercury and Gemini, Walter F. Burke); Neil Armstrong, with the gentleman pointing; and maybe…Gus Grissom on the far right, in the darker suit. The others I safely assume to be other McDonnell Aircraft representatives.

If the photograph is dated correctly, Armstrong had been - to the day - a NASA Astronaut for three months…if that’s indeed him.

I can’t help but wonder whose legs are extending below the rendezvous and recovery section, precariously perched on a rail of the workstand/scaffold(ing). Those are dress shoes & slacks. Another astronaut? If so…in order to get a closer look…maybe someone diminutive, like Pete Conrad? 😉

Bell Aerosystems artist John J. Carr’s 1963/64 depiction of rendezvous & docking of a Gemini spacecraft and Gemini Agena Target Vehicle in earth orbit, with a beckoning moon in the "background".

In most instances, which aren't a whole lot, a view of earth, from a north polar perspective, is instead featured ‘in the distance’, and circling it, the converging orbital tracks of the two vehicles are depicted, as in the linked example (and below):

ebuah.uah.es/dspace/bitstream/handle/10017/3939/C24S60F7....

Credit: University of Alcala online repository website

This then appears to be an even rarer version by Mr. Carr, instead depicting the moon - the eventual destination.

And since the artwork was primarily a promotion of Bell Aerosystem's contribution to the effort, in this case, the Agena Target Vehicle's restartable XLR81 engine, it features prominently in the foreground of the perspective rendering of the two vehicles.

“ASTRONAUT TAKES OWN PICTURE--Astronaut Mike Collins made this picture of himself by holding a movie camera at arm’s length while he and John W. Young, command pilot of Gemini 10, whirled through space earlier this week.”

So, this - informally at least - predates the famous Aldrin/Gemini XII first “selfie” taken in space, linked to below. Along with the Collins/Gemini X still photo selfies, also linked to below. Granted, those of Collins are “interior” shots, without quite the same gravitas or historical import as that of Aldrin.

Therefore, my posted photograph is likely the first selfie taken in space, inside a spacecraft (while pressurized), as a frame from the motion picture footage taken by the Astronaut (Michael Collins), with helmet off! SO THERE, SPACE HISTORY!

Doesn’t Collins look a lot like Edgar Mitchell or a (young, with short hair) Eric Clapton?

www.collectspace.com/ubb/Forum29/HTML/001843.html

Credit: collectSPACE website

“Artist’s concept of Gemini 11 astronaut Richard F. Gordon, pilot of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s three-day Earth orbital mission using a power tool during the space mission. The D-16 experiment power tool evaluation will evaluate man’s capability to perform work tasks in space, including the comparison of ability to work tethered and untethered, and to evaluate the performance of the minimum reaction power tool.”

The tether mechanism can be seen, attached to Gordon's right knee, extending to & attached to the hand-rail running along the exterior of equipment module. Was not some early/prototype version of Apollo's "golden slippers" considered? Granted that implied a fixed "station", with no capability to translate...with no RMS yet available. ;-)

Due to Gordon’s difficulties during the first EVA, which was truncated as a result, the D-16 experiment was not conducted.

Yet ANOTHER beautiful work by - who else - John Gorsuch. And, this time bestowed the honor of it being an official NASA/"NASA-appropriated" image. He had finally/rightfully "arrived". ;-)

Thankfully, for us/me, Mr. Gorsuch was an artistic machine.

If so inclined, search “John Gorsuch” on this photo hosting ‘service’, without the quotation marks, for an appreciation of the "prolificity" & scope of this man's work...and it's ONLY the stuff that I've stumbled upon.

Do it on a desktop/laptop, since the search returns of the mobile app leave something, a lot actually, to be desired.

The S-IC was powered by five Rocketdyne F-1 engines arrayed in a quincunx. The center engine was held in a fixed position, while the four outer engines could be hydraulically turned with gimbals to steer the rocket.

“GEMINI XII UNDERWATER TRAINING – Astronaut Edwin Aldrin, pilot for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s Gemini XII space flight, practices extravehicular work tasks during underwater zero-gravity training. He works on the docking collar of the Agena Target Docking Vehicle mockup using hand holds to secure himself to the vehicle. The underwater environment closely simulates the zero-gravity condition found in space.”

I find the caption header of ‘ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH ASSOCIATES...’ an odd departure from nearly all official NASA captions. Possibly some sort of contractual arrangement as part of their rendering of services.

And those services, as best as I can indirectly ascertain, pertained to/facilitated effectively working in a zero-g environment. With the myriad of difficulties encountered by previous Gemini Astronauts during their EVAs, NASA may have called in contractor help.

“GEMINI VII EARTH-SKY VIEW -- Full moon and Cirrus clouds as seen from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s Gemini VII spacecraft. Taken with a modified 70mm Hasselblad camera, using Eastman Kodak, Ektachrome MS (S.O. 217) color film.

“...EARTH-SKY VIEW” was the ‘go to’ term used by NASA for most all photographs by Astronauts of the earth during the 1960’s.

This photo is just too cool, way more intriguing & evocative than the linked iconic photo below. Thanks to the wonderful photographic emulsion color shifted ‘patina’, it’s got a really alien look to it. Sort of like Triton from Neptune. But that’s just me.

The realistic/accurate view…meh:

tothemoon.ser.asu.edu/gallery/Gemini/7/Hasselblad%20500C%...

Credit: “March to the Moon”/ASU - School of Earth and Space Exploration website

Rest In Peace Jim McDivitt, and thank you.

“Gemini IV Astronauts Edward H. White II (left), pilot and James A. McDivitt, command pilot, are shown at Launch Complex 19 on May 29 after completion of flight simulations for the upcoming mission. The flight which is scheduled for 62 revolutions of the Earth in a four-day period, will be the United States’ longest space flight to date. Launch of the Gemini IV is scheduled for no earlier than June 3. During the second revolution of the spacecraft around the Earth, Astronaut White is scheduled to spend about 12 minutes out in space away from the spacecraft. White’s only connection with the space vehicle will be an umbilical cord. He will be wearing a special extravehicular activity (EVA) space suit that will provide protection for him while outside the spacecraft. Astronaut McDivitt will take color movies through the spacecraft window of White’s activities in space. White will take photographs with a 35mm camera while outside the spacecraft and will use a special maneuvering unit to propel him about. The extravehicular activity is to take place as the flight passes over the United States.”

“Gemini-8 back-up [crew of Charles?] “Pete” Conrad, command pilot, and Richard F. Gordon, pilot, enter the Gemini-8 spacecraft for a simulated test at the White Room level of Complex 19. Flight crew for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s three day mission is Neil A. Armstrong, command pilot, and David R. Scott, pilot.”

PictionID:40978305 - Title:Space station mock-up--'Life Sci binder - Catalog:14_001212 - Filename:14_001212.tif - - Image from the Convair/General Dynamics Astronautics Atlas Negative Collection---Please Tag these images so that the information can be permanently stored with the digital file.---Repository: San Diego Air and Space Museum

“U. S. SPACE PARK -- Dominating the extensive display of full-scale spacecraft and rockets at the New York World’s Fair will be the Gemini-Titan II, standing 110 feet tall, as it would be on the launch pad at Cape Kennedy. Other full-scale space hardware to be at the Space Park will be, from left, Apollo Command and Service Modules, the Lunar Excursion Module, Gemini-Titan II, Gemini spacecraft and the Aurora 7 Mercury spacecraft which carried Astronaut Scott Carpenter on three Earth orbits.”

Used for press purposes, permanent "highlight" lines remain. Fortunately, they were precisely traced, so they minimally detract.

Sites abound with additional information and photos. For something off the beaten path:

www.collectspace.com/ubb/Forum18/HTML/001194.html

Credit: collectSPACE website

Posted primarily for my own edification. Other than the brush-stroke sky enhancement and, to a lesser degree, the craters, the LEM ascent stage in the ad certainly looks to be that rendered by Mr. Crowley in the original work linked below.

- If so, was the original work also commissioned by Westinghouse?

- Is it featured in some other Westinghouse ad?

- Or was it rejected? I wouldn’t think so, it’s gorgeous, but who knows. If so, possibly, albeit counter intuitively, allowing for it’s survival?

Also:

- The Gemini spacecraft looks like a “Big-G” to me. If so…an oops?

- Mr. Crowley was the mis/unidentified artist responsible for many of, if not most of the covers of the beloved “HOW AND WHY Wonder Books”. Also linked below.

Fascinating information on Mr. Crowley, who unfortunately, passed on in 2019:

www.doncrowley.com/index.html

www.doncrowley.com/bio.html

Both above credit: Don Crowley website

wenaha.com/artist/don-crowley/

Credit: Wenaha Gallery website

Quite a transformation/evolution:

cowboyartistsofamerica.com/active-members/deceased/don-cr...

Credit: Cowboy Artists of America website

www.greenwichworkshop.com/thumbnails/default.asp?a=18&amp...

Credit: Greenwich Workshop website

“This is a one-third scale model of the Gemini Spacecraft. There is a cutaway transparent section through which the manikin astronauts may be seen at their control station. This area is lighted for better viewing.”

“EXHIBIT INFORMATION

Code No……………………………………………………..M-69

Nomenclature…………………………………………....Gemini Spacecraft

Type of exhibit…………………………………………...Indoor display model

Model…………………………………………………….......1/3 Scale

Panels………………………………………………………….None

Animated………………………………………………….…No

Electrical requirements……………………………...110 V AC 60 cycle

Dimensions………………………………………………...75” Long x 40” Wide

Floor loading……………………………………………...40 lbs per sq. ft.

Smallest opening components require…….42”

Equipment for setup…………………………………..Hand tools

Labor…………………………………………………………...3 men

Setup time…………………………………………………...1 hour

Takedown time…………………………………………...½ hour

No. of crates…………………………………………..……One

- Size…………………………………………………………...88x48x47; 118 cu. ft.

- Wt……………………………………………………………...690 lbs

Value for insurance purposes………………..….$2,275.”

Sure would be nice if at least one of these survived. Being a scale model lover, especially of spacecraft…and on this scale, I’m almost drooling.

Lo & behold:

Despite apparently not being on display – YESSS!!! It's base & mounting rod (both visible directly behind it) appear to be affixed to/stowed on the inside of the hinged 'door' of its crate:

airandspace.si.edu/collection-objects/model-gemini-13-sca...

ids.si.edu/ids/deliveryService?id=NASM-A19791438000cp07&a...

Credit: National Air and Space Museum (NASM) website

Very nice circa 1965(?) Douglas Aircraft Company/McDonnell Douglas artist’s depiction of the Gemini spacecraft. A photograph was obviously used as the basis for the work, whether figuratively or literally.

Although not marked as such, the nature of the depiction & size of the photo pretty much identifies it as being of contractor origin.

At the risk of being repetitive, the stars in the sky should/might be a clue as to the artist, but it’s not helping. And unfortunately, from this time period, I only have one name that I can even naively/ignorantly consider, Arnold Pierce.

Maybe, as a tertiary choice, only because of the “sky”, Albert Lane. Who knows.

"Here's How Gordon Will Hook Tether From Agena to Gemini

...line to hold two spacecraft in formation flight after they separate.

Not unlike those that I've linked to, Mr. Arasmith seems to have produced numbered series of works for many a manned mission. That is cool.

One of Russ Arasmith's better works I think. I like the shadowed face of Dick Gordon...it really kinda looks like him!

Note the bifurcation of the tether/umbilical at the hatch opening. I know it served as both (per my above), but I didn’t know it was split into its two representative “roles” at that point. Granted, I’ve never previously given it any thought either. And that looks like some sort of eye snap hook (which appears to be able to slide along a rail just inside the capsule cockpit), attached to one trunk. And finally, where’s the other trunk of it going…along/affixed to the exterior of the spacecraft? Hmm.

“Mystery” solved! Fascinating:

forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=36317.0

Credit: NASA Spaceflight forum website

Although this one isn't in it, see also. Some bold & beautiful works:

www.nasa.gov/centers/marshall/history/arasmith-gallery.html

Full Description: Lift-off of Gemini-Titan 11 (GT-11) on Complex 19. The Gemini 11 mission included a rendezvous with an Agena target vehicle.

NASA Media Usage Guidelines

Credit: NASA

Image Number: 66PC-0261

Date: September 12, 1966

“APOLLO SPACE SUIT – Test subject wears the A-1C-1, Apollo Block 1, prototype space suit under development at MSC for the Apollo space program.”

Per the Astronautix website:

“American space suit, tested 1965. For the initial Block I Apollo missions a modification of the Gemini G4C suit was to have been flown. After the death of the Apollo 1 crew on the pad, Block I missions were cancelled and the suit never flew.

Status: tested 1965.

The A1C was a full pressure suit featuring a closed loop system and custom sizing.”

At:

www.astronautix.com/a/a1c.html

Credit: Astronautix website

And, per Wikipedia:

The Gemini space suit was chosen by NASA for the initial Apollo Block I Earth orbital concept demonstrator phase of Apollo. Since EVA was impractical due to the hatch design of the Block I spacecraft, and with a design competition underway between ILC Dover, Hamilton Standard (later Hamilton Sunstrand), and David Clark for a new Block II lunar EVA suit, NASA decided to use the G3C as the base for the Apollo Block I suit, designated A1C. This version added new electrical and environmental disconnects, and a protective shell over the helmet visor, which reverted to the more economical Plexiglas. Since Apollo would use a launch escape system in place of Gemini's ejection seats, a yellow-colored U-shaped inflatable "Mae West" personal flotation device replaced the pilot parachute and its harness. Only two Block I flights were initially planned until December 1966, when the second one, to be flown by Wally Schirra, Donn F. Eisele, and Walter Cunningham, was canceled as unnecessary duplication.

Astronauts Grissom, White, and Roger B. Chaffee were wearing A1C suits on January 27, 1967 in a preliminary countdown demonstration test for the planned February 21 Apollo 1 launch, when they were killed in a cabin fire, leading to NASA cancelling manned Block I flights and use of the A1C suit. Since the fire had burned through the suits, NASA added a fireproofing requirement to the new suit, which replaced the outer layer with beta cloth. The Block II suit was designated A7L and manufactured by ILC Dover. The new suit was first used on Apollo 1's replacement flight, Apollo 7 flown by Schirra, Eisele and Cunningham in October 1968.”

Above, with photographs, at:

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gemini_space_suit

Superlative pertinent documentation, again with illustrative photos, charts & diagrams. The same young man, wearing Collins' suit, likely during the same photographic documentation session, can be seen on page 22:

historycollection.jsc.nasa.gov/JSCHistoryPortal/history/s...

1.

“During their simulation of space rescue, Gemini 9 Command pilot Tom Stafford will have this cockpit view of astronaut Gene Cernan. Stafford will maneuver the spacecraft to bring its nose to with a few feet of his space walking co-pilot. Cernan can propel himself about by operating 12 hydrogen peroxide-powered reaction jets on the corners of his AMU (Astronaut Maneuvering Unit).”

2.

“The AMU has an air conditioning and breathing system for the astronaut’s comfort. It weighs almost as much as Astronaut Cernan does – 166 pounds to his 175. It has been referred to as the world’s smallest spacecraft. But the AMU’s heft will be negligible under weightless conditions of space.”

Absolutely not pejoratively, but the images have a wonderful "Silver Age" comic book appeal to them, especially with the panels & "dot matrix" sort of look.

A momentary flight of fancy: Wouldn't it have been the coolest thing - if Stan Lee (or frankly, any of the Marvel artist superstars) - teamed up with NASA to produce these?!

“Gemini-9 astronaut Charles Bassett, who is scheduled to stroll in space for 90 minutes next year, according to a December 29th Air Force announcement, is shown in the 1930 Model A Ford that he uses to drive to and from work at the Manned Spacecraft Center at Houston. In space, he is to use a self-sustaining 200-pound satellite to get around, quite a contrast to his workaday means of transport.”

See/read also:

m.facebook.com/groups/spacehipsters/permalink/28589302041...

Credit: Creg Bigelow (Space Hipsters)/Facebook

Absolutely delightful!

Both worth the read. Bottom line – TRAGIC:

www.collectspace.com/ubb/Forum29/HTML/001233.html

www.collectspace.com/ubb/Forum38/HTML/000351.html

Both above credit: collectSPACE website

Description (Nov. 4, 1965) Astronauts David R. Scott (left), Pilot; and, Neil A. Armstrong (right), Command Pilot, pose with model of the Gemini Spacecraft after being selected at the crew for the Gemini VIII mission.

NASA Media Usage Guidelines

Credit: NASA

Image Number: s65-58499

Date: November 4, 1965

The S-IVB stage was built by the Douglas Aircraft Company at Huntington Beach, California. It had one Rocketdyne J-2 engine and used the same fuel as the S-II. The S-IVB used a common bulkhead to separate the two tanks. It was 58.6 feet (17.86 m) tall with a diameter of 21.7 feet (6.604 m) and was also designed with high mass efficiency, though not quite as aggressively as the S-II. The S-IVB had a dry mass of about 23,000 pounds (10,000 kg) and, when fully fueled, weighed about 262,000 pounds (119,000 kg).

The S-IVB was the only rocket stage of the Saturn V small enough to be transported by the cargo plane Aero Spacelines Pregnant Guppy, a highly modified B-377 Stratocruiser.

For lunar missions it was fired twice: first for Earth orbit insertion after second stage cutoff, and a second time for translunar injection

“Astronaut Edward H. White II, pilot on the Gemini-Titan 4 space flight, is shown during his egress from the spacecraft. His face is covered by a shaded visor to protect him from the unfiltered rays of the sun.

White became the first American Astronaut to walk in space. He remained outside the spacecraft for 21 minutes during the third revolution of the Gemini-4. He wears a specially designed space suit for the extravehicular activity. In his right hand (not shown) he carries a Hand-Held Self-Maneuvering Unit with which he controls his movements while in space. He was attached to the spacecraft by a 25-ft. umbilical line and a 23-ft. tether line, both wrapped together with gold tape to form one cord. He wears an emergency oxygen supply chest pack. Astronaut James A. McDivitt is command pilot for the GT-4 mission.”

Interesting, how (& why) the subtle changes were made in the following official contemporary caption/description:

“Astronaut Edward H. White II, pilot of the Gemini IV four-day Earth-orbital mission, floats in the zero gravity of space outside the Gemini IV spacecraft. White wears a specially designed spacesuit; and the visor of the helmet is gold plated to protect him against the unfiltered rays of the sun. He wears an emergency oxygen pack, also. He is secured to the spacecraft by a 25-feet umbilical line and a 23-feet tether line, both wrapped in gold tape to form one cord. In his right hand is a Hand-Held Self-Maneuvering Unit (HHSMU) with which he controls his movements in space. Astronaut James A. McDivitt, command pilot of the mission, remained inside the spacecraft.

EDITOR'S NOTE: Astronaut White died in the Apollo/Saturn 204 fire at Cape Kennedy on Jan. 27, 1967.”

At:

spaceflight.nasa.gov/gallery/images/gemini/gemini4/html/s...

The actual/very thing on Ed's chest (chest pack/mounted Ventilation Control Module (VCM):

airandspace.si.edu/exhibitions/outside-the-spacecraft/onl...

And the helmet:

airandspace.si.edu/collection-objects/helmet-gh-4-c-white...

Both above credit: NASM website

Theodore Bartholomew Brown, 1931 – 2017

It is with the utmost satisfaction & gratitude that I post this wonderful obituary in honor, recognition & preservation of not only a lifetime of contribution, but of a - sadly, heretofore - unknown legacy.

Not anymore, at least not in my little corner of the internet.

Speaking of a legacy in the making – it is through the gracious consent of Mr. Brown’s daughter, Angela Carole Brown, that I’m able to share this.

Beautiful. Timeless. Poignant:

youtu.be/D-w4MHqTx5A

Credit: Angela Carole Brown/YouTube

Thank You Angela. THANK YOU.

Mr. Brown, THANK YOU.

In addition to the aforementioned, I highly encourage you to click on the “Ted Brown” tag, in order to more fully appreciate this man’s contributions.

A resounding WIN!

Unfortunately, with my inferior skills & tools, this is the best that I could muster to ‘convert’ a pdf into a merged jpeg.

Fittingly, possibly still undervalued & underappreciated, an article on the women of NASA, at KSC, along with an excellent photograph of the "Space Products" mural:

www.vogue.com/projects/13528185/american-women-nasa-kenne...

media.vogue.com/r/w_2000/2017/02/22/nasa-final-layout-13.jpg

Both above credit: Vogue Magazine online website

At first glance, this looks to be a Gemini - Agena target vehicle rendezvous & docking flight profile, but then, whoa...that pretty much looks to be a Mercury capsule (albeit with an early Gemini-like nose)...and the "Agena target vehicle" actually looks like a MIDAS, SAMOS...something like that...reconnaissance satellite. Huh? Was this ever a consideration? Who knew...other than Ed?! ;-)

At the Astronautix website:

www.astronautix.com/graphics/g/gemearly.jpg

But merely identified as an “Early Gemini Concept”.

Best guess on photo originator identification, based on the artist, the very talented George Mathis, and to a lesser degree, the apparent numbering.

8.5" x 11".

Interesting additional background & examples of Mr. Mathis' works:

ntserver1.wsulibs.wsu.edu/masc/masctour/mathis/index.html

Credit: Washington State University website

Compare to Artist Davis Meltzer’s beautiful (and representative) depiction of basically the same sequence of events:

i.pinimg.com/originals/58/1d/73/581d7330b802fea9af9aebb0a...

Credit: Pinterest/Randy Marcy

Piction ID: 84789028 Anders, William A. NASA, Hall of Frame--Please tag these photos so information can be recorded.---Note: This material may be protected by Copyright Law (Title 17 U.S.C.)--Repository: San Diego Air and Space Museum

“FLIGHT DIRECTORS--At the flight directors console in the Mission Operations Control Room of the Mission Control Center--Houston are (left foreground and going clockwise) Flight Directors Eugene F, Kranz, Glynn S. Lunney, John D. Hodge, and Christopher C. Kraft Jr.”

To me, Chris Kraft’s lapel pin appears to be a variant of the “Mercury 7” symbol. When I enlarge it on my pc, whatever is inside the circle doesn’t look like a “7”.

“ORBIT MANEUVERING---Artist’s drawing shows position and firing direction of spacecraft engines which comprise the orbit attitude and maneuvering system (OAMS) for the two-man Gemini spacecraft. The OAMS has 16 engines, which enable astronaut pilots to maneuver the Gemini forward, backward, sideways, vertically and to control roll during earth orbit and rendezvous. Eight of the engines develop 25 pounds, two develop 85 pounds, and six develop 100 pounds of thrust each. OAMS is developed and produced by Spacecraft Engine division of Rocketdyne, a division of North American Aviation, Inc. under subcontract to McDonnell Aircraft Corporation, which is developing the Gemini spacecraft under the technical direction of NASA’s Manned Spacecraft Center, Houston, Texas. Drawing shows portion of another spacecraft, upper right, in position for rendezvous with Gemini in space.

GHH 03/04/65”

Not bad. However, I find the generic “another spacecraft” reference to be odd. C’mon man…Agena.

The following is my accompaniment to my posting of the color version in late 2023:

Allow me a moment to toot my horn:

Note the chest-mounted convex mirrors worn by both Astronauts. However, these were only used during the Mercury Program, apparently through MA-7.

"Artist's concept of a two-man National Aeronautics and Space Administration Gemini spacecraft in flight, showing a cutaway view."

Seen almost exclusively in all its glorious color:

spaceflight.nasa.gov/gallery/images/gemini/overview/html/...

“THE GEMINI-TITAN II LAUNCH VEHICLE’S might first stage falls away toward earth with the second stage continuing powered flight into outer space and eventual earth orbit where it will separate from the two-man GEMINI spacecraft. Martin Company’s Space Systems Division is modifying the Air Force TITAN II ICBM for use as a launch vehicle in the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s Project GEMINI.”

By...the man, the myth, the machine, the legend (or should be recognized as such - within the world of unheralded, unrecognized and unknown "NASA" artists/illustrators) - Mr. John Gorsuch.

“USAF - Cape Canaveral stretching out below, the GEMINI-TITAN II booster, bearing its two-man spacecraft, thunders skyward headed for orbit around the earth in this artist’s concept. Martin Company’s Space Systems Division is modifying the 103-foot-tall, 150-ton Air Force TITAN II for use as launch vehicle in the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s GEMINI project. The giant booster has a total thrust in both stages of 530,000 pounds. Goal of Martin engineers working on Project GEMINI is to provide the utmost safety for the spacecraft crew.

U. S. AIR FORCE PHOTO”

One of Frank R. DiPietro's gallery of fantastic Gemini/Gemini-Titan depictions, I'm sure along with many others that we'll never see.

I believe the view is southerly, and the cluster of buildings to be the industrial area of CCAFS, with historic Hangar ‘S’ in there somewhere. A couple of Titan (imagine that) launch complexes are partially visible to the lower left..I think one of them being LC-19...future launchpad of all Gemini flights.

savehangar-s.com/

Credit: “Save Hangar S” website

www.nasa.gov/feature/historic-hangar-s-was-americas-cradl...

www.nasa.gov/content/hangar-s-history

www.loc.gov/item/fl0803/

Credit: Library of Congress website

Striking depiction by George Mathis, Aerojet General Corporation’s artist, of the Gemini-Titan II second stage ignition ‘corona’.

Per a caption/description associated with another depiction of this phenomena, from the opposing perspective, likely also rendered by Mr. Mathis, Gemini 6 Astronaut Tom Stafford is cited as having witnessed it.

Possibly photographically recorded as well? If so, by onboard cameras? Long-range tracking cameras? I must admit, I know/have seen/have sought out very little Gemini-Titan ascent/staging footage.

8.5” x 11”.

“The prime crew for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s GT-3 mission, Astronaut John W. Young, pilot, and Virgil I. (Gus) Grissom, command pilot, hold a discussion at the Gemini Launch Vehicle Review Meeting on March 20, with Astronaut Edward H. White II, (left), pilot for the GT-4 mission. The meeting was held in the Manned Spacecraft Operations Building, Merritt Island Launch Area.”

Also at:

www.apolloexplorer.co.uk/default.asp?libsrc=/photo/html/G...

Credit: Apollo Explorer website

Un-effing-believable:

www.alamy.com/20-march-1965-the-prime-crew-of-the-nasa-ge...

(Dis)credit: Alamy website

“GEMINI V EARTH-SKY VIEW --- Florida, looking toward the southeast, as seen from the Gemini V spacecraft during its eight-day mission in space. This photograph was taken with a modified 70mm Hasselblad camera using MS Ektachrome thin base film, ASA 64.”

The conspicuously cloud-free area near the center of the photograph is Lake Okeechobee. The similarly cloud-free inlet on the west coast, just inside the left image border is composed of Old Tampa Bay & Tampa Bay, with the major cities of Tampa, St. Petersburg & Clearwater in the immediate vicinity.

PictionID:42610132 - Title:Weightless Simulation ---Additional Information:Weightless Simulation; Weight Simulation Drawing; ---Date:06/04/1964 - Catalog:14_002323 - Filename:14_002323.tif - - - - Image from the Convair/General Dynamics Astronautics Atlas Negative Collection---Please Tag these images so that the information can be permanently stored with the digital file.---Repository: San Diego Air and Space Museum

“Two McDonnell technicians examine the engineering mockup of the Gemini spacecraft, exhibited to 140 industry and NASA representatives in St. Louis on August 15-16, 1962.”

Above taken from the caption of a photo (Figure 37), which I reasonably assume to have been taken at about the same time, along with the following excerpt:

"August 15-16

Manned Spacecraft Center (MSC) formally reviewed McDonnell's engineering mock-up of the Gemini spacecraft in St Louis. The company had begun building the mock-up in January, shortly after receiving the spacecraft contract. Mock-up review had originally been scheduled for mid-July, but informal examinations by MSC representatives, including James A Chamberlin and several astronauts, had produced some suggested changes. The review itself resulted in McDonnell's receiving 167 requests for alterations. MSC inspected the revised mock-up in November."

At/from:

www.nasa.gov/history/SP-4002/p1b.htm

Specifically:

www.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/static/history/SP-4002/im...

I wonder if one of the gentlemen is Winston Nold:

www.findagrave.com/memorial/123723667/winston-douglas-nold

Credit: Cynthia Farmer-Nold/"Find a Grave" website

Beautifully composed promotional(?) artwork by resident Aerojet-General Corporation artist George Mathis, in his distinctive style, featuring a dramatic perspective of a Gemini/Titan II launch vehicle during launch preparations. In fact, exercising a little artistic license, Mr. Mathis provides us a view of crew insertion.

8.5" x 11".

Interesting additional background & examples of Mr. Mathis' works:

news.wsu.edu/2019/07/16/wsu-grads-art-brought-apollo-era-...

ntserver1.wsulibs.wsu.edu/masc/masctour/mathis/index.html

Above credit: Washington State University website

“Jim McBarron, who oversees the design of spacewalk equipment for the shuttle program, stands between two of the spacesuits he has worked on. On the left is the Apollo spacesuit, worn by astronauts during that program. At right is the new spacesuit worn during spacewalks by shuttle astronauts. Apollo spacesuits were custom made; the new spacesuits are made of standard parts and fit better than ever.”

James (Jim) William McBarron III, the Real Deal. A small sampling of his contributions & impact:

www.nasa.gov/offices/nesc/academy/James_McBarron_Bio.html

historycollection.jsc.nasa.gov/JSCHistoryPortal/history/o...

nescacademy.nasa.gov/video/b8a77e5fae7d4d328a6712e1d511c2...

ntrs.nasa.gov/api/citations/20160002038/downloads/2016000...

www.researchgate.net/scientific-contributions/James-W-McB...

Credit: ResearchGate website

Damn it, TOO SOON! Rest In Peace Good Sir…and THANK YOU:

www.crowderfuneralhome.com/obituaries/james-mcbarron/

Credit: James Crowder Funeral Homes website

Martin Co. illustration of a Gemini-Titan launch sequence.

"Photograph of the Gemini VII spacecraft - side view - was taken from the Gemini VI spacecraft during rendezvous and station keeping maneuvers at an altitude of 157 nautical miles during orbit no. 7, on December 15, 1965. G.E.T. time was 10.17/GMT time was 23:54. The two spacecrafts are approximately 180 feet apart. Original magazine number was GEM06-B-63112, taken with an 80mm lens. A black & white Master of this image exists. It's photo number is S65-64898."

That’s some seriously expansive & interesting cloud cover. Must be some pretty complex atmospheric dynamics going on.

nara.getarchive.net/media/gemini-vi-mission-image-rendezv...

All above credit: U.S. National Archives website

“GEMINI XII EARTH-SKY VIEW—Cape Kennedy, Palm Beach, Orlando area of Florida as seen from the Gemini XII spacecraft during its 15th revolution of the earth.”

tothemoon.ser.asu.edu/gallery/Gemini/12/Hasselblad%20Supe...

Credit: “March to the Moon” website

“GEMINI spacecraft orbits the earth after being launched into space by the GEMINI-TITAN II launch vehicle, a modified Air Force TITAN II ICBM. The two-man vehicle could be headed for a rendezvous attempt with another spacecraft or it could be on an extended flight of a week or more giving the crew experience in flight through outer space. Project GEMINI, under direction of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, is an intermediate step between the current Mercury program and the three-man Apollo spacecraft which is being designed for a landing on the moon in this decade. Martin Company’s Space Systems Division near Baltimore is developing the GEMINI launch vehicle for the program while McDonnell Aircraft Corporation is building the spacecraft.”

"Artist's concept of Air Force TITAN II under development at Martin Company's Space Systems Division boosting NASA 2-man GEMINI spacecraft."

Beautiful work by the - I dare say - prolific - John Gorsuch.